Dave Knows Portland

OMSI Science Pub: Driving on Sunshine (19-June-2012)

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Omsi Science PubJoin OMSI, the Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon, and Solar Oregon for a special OMSI Science Pub – Driving on Sunshine: The Intersection of our Electrical Grid, Solar Power, and Electric Vehicles – on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan).

As more solar power comes online and more plug-in electric vehicles begin driving through our communities, it is increasingly important that we design creative solutions that intelligently connect these technologies to our electrical grid. How can solar power and electric vehicles work together to support a cleaner, more efficient electrical grid? What needs to be done to safely and affordably integrate these technologies into our neighborhoods and cities?

The presenter include Cameron Coleman from InSpec Energy Solutions

Cam has worked on a wide variety of renewable energy projects and supported “clean tech” industry development. He has been involved in the design and integration of solar photo-voltaic (PV) systems, solar electric vehicle charging stations, solar thermal projects, small hydro power generation, and energy storage systems. Most recently, Cam designed and lead the integration of a solar PV system at Safeco field for the Seattle Mariners.

The science begins at 7pm but arrive early to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.

Opera: Myths and Misconceptions (12-June-2012)

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The Jack London BarThe Stumptown Stories series, geared to everyone who loves this city we live in, takes place most Tuesdays at Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder). Free to get in, but must be 21 or over – there’s a full bar!

Opera: Myths and Misconceptions is the title of the lecture on Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

What do you think of when you hear the word “opera”? A bunch of overdressed rich people listening to something in a language they don’t understand? A stage full of fat women in helmets and horns screaming to be heard over an immense orchestra? A convoluted story about dysfunctional people set to music by dead white men? Join Bob Kingston, Portland Opera’s Resident Historian and Lecturer, as he separates fact from fiction to discuss the many misconceptions about this unique art form.

Bob delivers history talks prior to most opera productions at the Portland Opera. He’s an excellent speaker who is very passionate about and well-versed on his subject matter.

The doors open at 7 p.m. for this free event (21 and over only). Presentation begins at 7:30pm.

The Portland Earthquake Walking Tour (12-June-2012)

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Cascadia Subduction ZoneJoin Yumei Wang of the the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries tonight, Tuesday, June 12, 2012, for the Portland Earthquake Walking Tour.

Portland’s Old Town is a crossroads of urban
arteries, essential city services, and historic
architecture. On this twilight walking tour you will
learn to identify unreinforced masonry buildings,
consider ways to strengthen our bridges, ponder
soil liquefaction risk near the Willamette River
Harbor Wall, and examine the extensive seismic
retrofits at Portland Fire Station #1.

This free event is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. at the Mercy Corps Action Center (28 SW 1st). Join the Q&A session in the Mercy Corps Aceh Room after the tour.

Oregon Encyclopedia Workshop: Researching Local History (June 10, 2012)

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Great Light WayJoin Cafe Unknown‘s Dan Haneckow this Sunday, June 10, 2012 for a special Oregon Encyclopedia Workshop: Researching Local History.

Encyclopedia contributor Dan Haneckow will describe Portland’s “Great Light Way” — an architectural and electrical wonder unveiled in 1914 on downtown’s Third Street — and will lead a discussion on how to write an encyclopedia entry. Library reference staff will be there to share some of the print, microfilm, and online treasures in our collection. Come with your topic ideas and your enthusiasm for learning about local history.

This free history-geeky event takes place at the Central Library (801 SW 10th) U.S. Bank Room from 1 to 4 p.m. Entrance is free, and first come first serve.

Authors in Pubs (4-June-2012)

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Authors in PubsAuthors in Pubs takes place tonight, Monday, June 4, 2012, at the Jack London Bar (529 SW 4th – in the basement of the Rialto Pool Room).

This month’s lineup:

Don Van Kirk – writer, ex-bartender, Host & MC
Nancy McKnight- poet, bartender, mother
Patrick Hoyer – Sous Chef, writer, bartender
Kehl Van Horn – writer, restauranteur
Jennifer Willis – writer

Intermission – Tonights guest painter – Jen Clark

Grant Keltner – photographer, published author, artist
Jonathan Ems – published author, actor, dad
Featured Author: Brook Gerity-Miles – published author, inspiration for the story: ‘Mama Meets the Boomer Boys’

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show beings at 8:00 p.m.

Created by local writer Don Van Kirk last September, Authors in Pubs is a First Monday event that aims to give local writers a chance to share their work, and receive feedback. The shows run about two hours, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early and stay late to talk with authors and peruse their books. Visit the PortlandWiki entry and the Yelp event page for more details.